The Tale of the Princess Kaguya

About The Tale of the Princess Kaguya

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, released in 2013, is a Japanese anime film produced by Studio Ghibli. Directed by Isao Takahata, the movie offers a rich and emotional take on the folktale, 'The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter'. Progressing as a visually enchanting narrative, the story revolves around a tiny nymph found within a bamboo stalk by an old bamboo cutter. He brings this glowing child to his wife, and they raise her as their own daughter, who blossoms into a striking, resilient young woman, Kaguya.

Making / Production

Directed by Isao Takahata, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya was his first film in 14 years. The film's production lasted a total of eight years, the longest in Studio Ghibli's history. It is distinguished for its unique watercolor art style, marking a departure from the traditional animation style of Studio Ghibli.

Actors

• Aki Asakura: Voiced Princess Kaguya. Her portrayal captured both the innocent joy and the heartbreaking sorrow that defined Kaguya's tale.
• Takeo Chii: As the Bamboo Cutter, he channelled a father's love and desperate wish for his daughter's happiness.
• Nobuko Miyamoto: As the Bamboo Cutter's Wife, she brought warmth and maternal love to her character, providing a comforting presence throughout.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie was Studio Ghibli co-founder Isao Takahata's last directorial work before his death in 2018.
• The film took approximately eight years to make, the longest in Studio Ghibli history.
• The artwork took inspiration from ukiyo-e, watercolor, and brush paintings to create its unique style.

Awards

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya won many prestigious awards. It won the Audience Award and the Satoshi Kon Award for Best Animated Feature Film at the 2013 Fantasia Film Festival. Additionally, it won Best Animation Film at the Mainichi Film Awards 2014. The film also received an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 87th Academy Awards.

Quotes

• "No matter how I pray, heaven won't make miracles come true."
• "Was I still not princely enough to be accepted?"
• "If I hide away my tears, they'll only hurt my chest."

Music, Soundtrack

• The score was composed by Joe Hisaishi, a long-time collaborator with Studio Ghibli.
• The film's theme song, "When I Remember This Life", was performed by Kazumi Nikaido.
• The soundtrack complements the film's watercolor visuals with traditional Japanese instrumental music.